Fears over strict new policy on housing schemes

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'FULL up' signs have been taken down - but only in Bacup and Rawtenstall.

For months, Rossendale Council has turned down planning applications for housing developments on the grounds that the Valley has enough outstanding building schemes to meet its needs for the next few years.

But at the latest Executive meeting, councillors agreed to adopt a new policy.

In future, permission will be refused on housing supply grounds unless the proposal is like-for-like or will contribute positively to the regeneration of Bacup, Stacksteads and Britannia or the Rawtenstall town centre 'masterplan' areas.

Proposals must not harm the character of conservation areas, or the setting of listed buildings, must assist the regeneration of a site and meet an identified local housing need.

Councillor Philip Young warned members that the strict new rules could prohibit someone converting a terraced house into flats if it was not in a designated area and this could have an impact on the availability of affordable housing.

Councillor Gladys Sandiford said she was worried about the impact on buildings in Haslingden which were in need of regeneration.

And Councillor David Hancock called for more consultation.

He said: 'I think it is full of holes and anybody can make an application on grounds of regenerating a site. I don't feel safe with this document and I think we may be making a rod for our own backs.'

But deputy council leader Bill Challinor, who chaired the meeting, said: 'I would like to see this go through to give us some guidance.'

The new housing policy position statement has been approved by Lancashire County Council and Colin Walker, head of economic development and spatial development, said it was in accordance with government policy.